Podcasts about Jewish identity

Join YIVO for a conversation about the resurgence of interest in Jewish identity and history in Lithuania today. Jonathan Brent will moderate a conversation among Miglė Anušauskaitė, a Lithuanian cartoonist and archivist working on the Edward Blank YIVO Vilna Online Collections Project, Anna Avidan, Managing Director of LitvakWorld, Kęstas Pikūnas, publisher of Passport, and former Lithuanian Minister of Culture, Mindaugas Kvietkauskas. Together they will explore topics such as the historical and social realities of Jewish-Lithuanian relations, and the challenges of building a multi-cultural, democratic society in Lithuania today. This panel originally took place on December 7, 2021 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Join YIVO for a conversation about the resurgence of interest in Jewish identity and history in Lithuania today. Jonathan Brent will moderate a conversation among Miglė Anušauskaitė, a Lithuanian cartoonist and archivist working on the Edward Blank YIVO Vilna Online Collections Project, Anna Avidan, Managing Director of LitvakWorld, Kęstas Pikūnas, publisher of Passport, and former Lithuanian Minister of Culture, Mindaugas Kvietkauskas. Together they will explore topics such as the historical and social realities of Jewish-Lithuanian relations, and the challenges of building a multi-cultural, democratic society in Lithuania today. This panel originally took place on December 7, 2021 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/jewish-studies

Join YIVO for a conversation about the resurgence of interest in Jewish identity and history in Lithuania today. Jonathan Brent will moderate a conversation among Miglė Anušauskaitė, a Lithuanian cartoonist and archivist working on the Edward Blank YIVO Vilna Online Collections Project, Anna Avidan, Managing Director of LitvakWorld, Kęstas Pikūnas, publisher of Passport, and former Lithuanian Minister of Culture, Mindaugas Kvietkauskas. Together they will explore topics such as the historical and social realities of Jewish-Lithuanian relations, and the challenges of building a multi-cultural, democratic society in Lithuania today. This panel originally took place on December 7, 2021 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/eastern-european-studies

Israeli children are still running to shelters. The hostages are home, but the wars keep coming. And somewhere underneath it all — the October 7th trauma, the Iran strikes, the hostages, the endless sirens — something is being passed down to the next generation, whether we mean to or not. This week, Yonit sits down with Dr. Galit Atlas, psychoanalyst and author of Emotional Inheritance, to ask the questions most of us are afraid to answer: what does prolonged, unprocessed national trauma do to a people? How do Jewish rituals of memory — Passover, Holocaust Remembrance Day — help or harm? And is there actually hope on the other side of all this? Dr. Atlas's new book, Come Closer: Childhood Wounds, Adult Love and the Secrets of Emotional Intimacy, is out in September.

Join Rabbi Joey Rosenfeld as he guides us through the world and major works of Kabbalah, Hasidic masters, and Jewish philosophy, shedding light on the inner life of the soul. To learn more, visit JoeyRosenfeld.com

The crisis facing Jews today is not only antisemitism but self-expression. After decades of translating Judaism into Western pop culture, many do not know how to explain Judaism on its own terms.

Actor, writer, musician, and podcast host Jonah Platt (Wicked, Being the Ricardos) joins host Donny for a candid, courageous conversation about Jewish identity, antisemitism in Hollywood, and what it means to unapologetically embrace who you are. Jonah opens up about why he launched "Being Jewish with Jonah Platt" — a twice Webby-honored, Wilbur Award-winning podcast — in the wake of October 7th, and why he felt compelled to become one of the few visible voices in the entertainment industry to speak out for the Jewish community. In this episode: Why so many Hollywood stars stayed silent after October 7th — and what that silence really reveals What "Going Full Jew" means and how it can transform your relationship with your Jewish identity The danger of divisiveness within the Jewish community and why unity matters more than ever How the word "Zionist" has been co-opted — and what we should do about it The Democratic Party's shifting relationship with Jewish voters and Israel How speaking out has actually opened doors in Jonah's entertainment career The Los Angeles mayoral race, Spencer Pratt, and what 2026 politics looks like Whether you're Jewish, an ally, or simply someone who cares about truth, identity, and moral courage in public life, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Adrienne Gold Davis sits down with Tanya Tsikanovsky, known online as Highly Jewish, for a powerful conversation about what it means to be visibly and unapologetically Jewish after October 7. Tanya shares how a community she once trusted began to see her differently, why she now centers Jewish identity in every part of her life, and what Jewish pride can look like when rooted not only in activism but also in values, family, resilience, and continuity. Together, Adrienne and Tanya explore Zionism, antisemitism, LGBTQ identity, the cost of hiding, and the courage it takes to walk into every room as your full Jewish self. This episode is a call to stop shrinking, start strengthening Jewish identity at home, and remember that pride, resilience, and continuity begin with the choices we make every day. The Rise & Shine Podcast Series is made possible by the generous support of Bonnie Vozar of Chicago, Illinois. If you would like to sponsor an upcoming podcast, please email us at info@momentumunlimited.org

Yaakov Schy spent years living and working in rural Asia, where he discovered that everyone had a tribal identity except for him. That led him to rediscover Judaism.

A US-Iran deal appears to be taking shape — and Israel isn't in the room. As diplomatic back-channels buzz and American strikes on Iran continue under a ceasefire that apparently requires bombing to maintain, Netanyahu finds himself watching from the outside: no seat at the table, no answers on the nuclear file, no movement on proxies. Meanwhile, two hostage parents — whose sons were held in Gaza at the same time — are entering Israeli politics from opposite ends of the spectrum, a story that says more about where the country is heading than any poll. Plus: the Caroline Glick appointment, the Israel Solidarity Parade in New York, antisemitism in London's British Museum, and a Chutzpah award for a congressman whose concession speech managed to be both funny and deeply troubling. This week's Mensch of the Week will leave you wanting to move to Tel Aviv. Note: The name of the Republican congressman challenged by Dan Bilzerian in Florida is, in fact, Randy Fine. Watch us on Youtube: https://youtu.be/HB5rkBNCeEY

Is Judaism a Religion? The Misunderstood History of Jewish Identity | Zionism, Nationhood & the EnlightenmentIn this episode of The Fifth Question Podcast, we tackle one of the most common misunderstandings in modern discourse: the idea that Judaism is “just a religion.” From the ancient tribe of Judah to the Enlightenment, Reform Judaism, nationalism, and modern Zionism, this episode explores why Jewish identity has historically functioned as far more than a confessional faith.We examine the Talmudic understanding of Jewish peoplehood, the emergence of “religion” as a modern category, the impact of European liberalism and Protestantism on Jewish self-definition, and why debates over Zionism and antisemitism often collapse because of category errors about what Jews actually are.This episode discusses:Why Judaism historically functioned as a peoplehood or nationThe origin of the term “Jew” and the tribe of JudahThe Talmudic principle that “a Jew, even if he sins, remains Jewish”Why conversion out of Judaism historically did not erase Jewish identityThe Enlightenment, liberalism, and the invention of “religion”Moses Mendelssohn, Reform Judaism, and the Pittsburgh PlatformKant and the “nation within a nation” argumentZionism as a response to modern nationalismWhy Jewish identity does not fit neatly into Western religious categoriesThe relationship between anti-Zionism, antisemitism, and Jewish peoplehoodIf you enjoy long-form conversations on Jewish history, Zionism, philosophy, religion, nationalism, political theory, and intellectual history, make sure to like, subscribe, and share.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Introduction: Is Judaism a Religion?01:25 – The Tribe of Judah and Ancient Jewish Identity02:37 – The Talmud on Jewish Identity and Conversion03:46 – Medieval Europe, Forced Conversion, and Rashi05:21 – Why “Religion” Is a Modern Concept06:14 – Protestantism vs Judaism07:23 – Dogma, Heresy, and Jewish Debate08:29 – Why the West Misunderstands Judaism09:29 – Liberalism, Nationalism, and the Jewish Question10:26 – Am Yisrael: Jews as a Nation11:16 – Moses Mendelssohn and Reform Judaism12:10 – The Pittsburgh Platform and Religious Judaism13:34 – The PLO's Rabbi and Anti-Zionist Arguments14:04 – Zionism and Jewish Peoplehood15:15 – Why Calling Judaism “Just a Religion” Is Misleading16:03 – Eurocentrism, Colonialism, and Jewish Identity#judaism #zionisme #jewishhistory #israel #Antisemitism #jewishidentity #religion #JewishPeoplehood #middleeast #talmud #MosesMendelssohn #reformjudaism #jewishphilosophy #HistoryPodcast #politicalphilosophy #TheFifthQuestion #israelpalestine #JewishNation #nationalism #jewishthought Jewish History, Politics, Israel, Antisemitism, and Zionism - I cover it all.Politics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6QupJZ1HLY&list=PLQ3aQmFcYiCqqL-GSNw6NhSZWOvzaDdIKJewish History: https://youtu.be/1u4jHoZ8stM?si=0jZP4uhXlVEg2NOTAntisemitism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCgnEZ1d24Q&list=PLQ3aQmFcYiCqkU_aPIJGbE1xTKEbkh8euFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.levine.31/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rabbidaniellevine/#Israel #Rabbi #Jewish #WhatisZionism #DoJews?

This class explores Parshas Bamidbar through Likutei Sichos vol. 18, focusing on the census, the distinct roles of Kohanim and Leviim, and lessons about Jewish identity and conversion. The Rebbe's insights highlight embracing one's unique mission and the importance of halachic standards. https://www.torahrecordings.com/classes/by_parsha/004_bamidbar/001_bamidbar/014

Howard Jacobson has screamed "liar" at the BBC, lost friends over a newspaper article, and started asking his wife whether it's still safe to live in London. Now he's written a novel about all of it. *Howl* is the story of Ferdinand Draxler — Jewish headmaster, reluctant marcher, man on the edge — who watches the world he believed in applaud the October 7th massacre and descends into a rage that may or may not be madness. Jacobson says he borrowed quite a lot from the last two years of his life. In this Unholy Conversations episode, Jacobson talks with Yonit and Jonathan about the ungovernable anger behind the novel, why he chose comedy as the only honest vehicle for it, the friends who wrote accusing him of celebrating Palestinian deaths, the Manchester synagogue where he was bar mitzvahed and which was attacked on Yom Kippur, and the question he can't shake: what would we have done in Berlin in 1932?   Watch it on Youtube: https://youtu.be/aB-eNbxb41w

In this powerful conversation, Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff sits down with Masha Merkulova, founder of CLUB Z, a national organization dedicated to educating and empowering Jewish teens to become articulate, knowledgeable leaders and advocates for themselves, Israel, and the Jewish people. Masha shares her remarkable personal journey from discovering her Jewish identity at age 16 in the Soviet Union to founding an organization that now serves over 200 students across the San Francisco Bay area, Boston, the tri-state area, and beyond.   Who Is CLUB Z? CLUB Z is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a network of educated, articulate Jewish teen activists with a commitment to Zionism. CLUB Z's mission is to raise modern-day Zionists who are knowledgeable leaders, equipped to advocate for themselves, Israel, and the Jewish people while addressing issues of bigotry and antisemitism head-on. The organization operates two primary programs. Basic Training is an entry-level monthly session covering foundational knowledge: Jewish peoplehood, Jewish indigeneity, Jewish rights, and Jewish power. There are zero prerequisites—students simply need to show up once a month and learn. These sessions are separated by age group, with eighth and ninth graders together, and tenth through twelfth graders together, allowing for appropriate peer bonding and connection across different schools in the area. For students ready to go deeper, CLUB Z offers Sacred, a formalized two-year advanced program that combines rigorous academic study with practical leadership development. Participants meet every other week for three-hour sessions where they build on foundational knowledge while developing debate skills, presentation abilities, public speaking confidence, and personal writing proficiency. The curriculum covers Jewish history, Israel history, and professional development—skills that have largely disappeared from traditional schools but remain essential for navigating the world. Masha's Origin Story Masha Merkulova's journey to founding CLUB Z began in the Soviet Union, where Jewish identity wasn't something you could openly celebrate. Born to a Jewish mother and Russian father, Masha discovered she was Jewish at age 16 when a passport office bureaucrat casually informed her that despite her Russian nationality on every school roster, her mother's name—Riva, daughter of Levi—made her Jewish. The revelation was stunning but detached. She knew it as a nationality, nothing more, with no concept that Jewish people faced discrimination or persecution. When she encountered antisemitism, she simply gave it back. It ended there. Everyone moved on. What Masha inherited instead was her Soviet upbringing's deep commitment to justice and her mother's quiet, unwavering knowledge of who she was. When the Soviet Union began to crumble, she explored Christianity out of curiosity rather than conviction, but that exploration revealed how disconnected she was from any spiritual identity. It wasn't until Masha moved to America and her son began attending a Jewish day school that she started genuinely learning what it meant to be Jewish. Then came 2005. While living in California, Masha began watching YouTube videos of Israel's Gaza disengagement—something that would forever change her trajectory. She watched Jews in blue hats dragging out Jews in orange hats or regular clothes. Both were crying. And Masha recognized something that stopped her cold: "What I am watching is a pogrom." Her Soviet identity, trained to recognize injustice and respond, clicked into place. She dove into education—every event, every book, everything she could access about Israel and Jewish history. And once you learn the story of Israel and how miraculous it is, Masha explains, you can't look back. For her, Zionism wasn't a slogan or a political buzzword. It was a movement of justice, a response to centuries of exclusion and persecution, a restoration of balance. Something happened to the Jewish people 2,000 years ago, and they never gave up. They never agreed to disappear. And now, with the restoration of Israel, the justice had been restored. Why CLUB Z Exists Years of volunteering in the San Francisco Bay Area, funding pro-Israel events on college campuses, gave Masha a front-row seat to a troubling pattern. She kept encountering bright Jewish students—kids who had attended Jewish high schools, gone to Israel, been part of youth groups and summer camps, received extensive Jewish education. And yet they didn't know basic facts. They couldn't explain the difference between the Independence War and the Six-Day War. They didn't understand what Zionism actually was. They had no foundational history. At the same time, Masha was watching something worse: these same educated Jewish students were being turned into anti-Israel advocates. Their reasoning was heartbreaking in its simplicity: "I didn't know Palestinians were suffering. I didn't know there were all these people." They had been given no context, no counter-narrative, no inoculation against the compelling stories being told to them on campus. Masha realized the solution wasn't to react after the damage was done. Prevention was cheaper and more effective. Why weren't we telling young Jews what the other side was saying? Why weren't we preparing them with information, context, and historical understanding? Why weren't we teaching them about the Palestinian narrative itself so they could understand what others believed and why? She began looking around the Jewish community in San Francisco for an organization doing this work. Federation. JCC. Hebrew schools. Nobody was having these conversations. The status quo was simply accepting that Hebrew schools would hire whoever was willing to take the job for minimum pay—no standards, no accountability, no meaningful education. Masha decided she couldn't accept that anymore. From Three Boys to 200 Students It started with her son bringing three of his friends together. Three boys. Masha began teaching them using a curriculum called "Israel and Jewish Identity" that she'd come into possession of—a framework that literally connected Jewish identity, Jewish peoplehood, and Zionism as three interconnected pillars. This became the foundation of everything CLUB Z would build. Word of mouth spread. Kids wanted more. They asked to meet bi-weekly instead of monthly. Then more frequently. Masha worked with a local JCC that had a beautiful Teen Center with no programming, and they welcomed CLUB Z to use the space. What started as an informal gathering evolved into something more intentional and structured. Today, CLUB Z operates across multiple cities with approximately 200 students currently enrolled (numbers fluctuate—last year they served over 400). The organization has grown because it fills a void that no other institution is addressing: the need for comprehensive, honest Jewish education that equips teens not just with information, but with confidence, community, and the tools to stand tall in their identity. What Makes It Gutsy CLUB Z is gutsy because it goes against the grain of everything in the current Jewish institutional landscape. Its very existence is a reminder that what we have right now doesn't work. By design, the organization is pushing back against systems that have failed to prepare Jewish youth, against narratives that have been allowed to go unchallenged, against the idea that teens should shrink from their identity instead of claiming it with pride. But CLUB Z is also gutsy in how it trusts young people. The organization believes that teens can handle complexity, nuance, and difficult conversations. They can learn about Palestinian narratives while maintaining their own. They can understand historical grievances and moral arguments. They can debate respectfully without compromising their beliefs. They can recognize propaganda without becoming cynical. And they can do all of this while maintaining their humanity and sense of humor. Perhaps most gutsy of all is CLUB Z's commitment to showing up for students when it matters most. When a student calls with a problem at school, CLUB Z doesn't just offer advice—they strategize with parents, connect families to legal resources if needed, and stay involved through resolution. When alumni face antisemitism on college campuses, CLUB Z is there. When a resolution against Israel comes up for a student government vote, CLUB Z has trained students to be in those spaces ahead of time, ready to speak up. The organization has built a safety net, and students know it exists. Teaching in a World of Misinformation One of CLUB Z's most critical functions is teaching students to recognize and counter propaganda. In a world saturated with misinformation, deepfakes, and algorithmically-driven content, young people need media literacy skills that go far beyond any single issue. CLUB Z teaches students to ask: Who are the reliable sources? How do you fact-check? What makes something intellectually dishonest? For example, when a student encounters an AP exam question asking them to calculate how Israeli bombing has affected global warming in Gaza, they need more than outrage. They need to articulate exactly why that framing is intellectually dishonest, why it's propaganda, and what the actual facts are. They need to respond professionally and factually, not emotionally. The organization partners with CAMERA (Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting and Analysis) and maintains connections to sources in Israel and international media. In sessions, educators help students evaluate what's real and what's not. Students can post questions in private groups and get immediate feedback from educators and peers. And every single session opens with "what's happening in the news," allowing older students to help younger ones develop critical thinking skills in real time. The Power of Intentional Community One of the biggest surprises Masha has encountered is how little it takes to help a young person rise up—but how essential it is that the support be intentional. CLUB Z isn't just "come learn, go do." It's a community that says: we have your back. If you call us, we will be there to catch you. This matters immensely during the vulnerable teenage years. When a student faces an incident at school, they often call CLUB Z educators before they call their parents. Educators then work with families to make a plan before escalating to the school or other authorities. For college-aged alumni, the support continues. Students know they can reach out to their regional educator when they need guidance, when they face antisemitism, or when they need to make a strategic move. Masha is clear about why this matters: if you know you're going to stick your neck out, you don't want to be left hanging by a thread. Young people need to know that taking a risk doesn't mean being abandoned. Building Trust Through Transparency CLUB Z has also discovered the power of keeping parents informed and engaged. After each session, parents receive a detailed email summarizing everything discussed, including links to all videos shown and a series of 3-5 discussion questions designed to spark conversation at home. This seemingly simple practice has profound effects. Parents aren't left wondering what their teens are learning. They can have informed conversations at the dinner table. They understand the context and nuance their teens are being taught. If a teen comes home with questions or concerns, parents are equipped to respond thoughtfully. And if parents need support, they know they can call an educator to discuss how to handle a situation together. Dr. Laura notes during the episode that this creates a beautiful feedback loop: teens can go home knowing their parents understand what they're learning. They don't have to fear that their parent will overreact or dismiss their concerns. And that open communication, that sense of being supported at home and in the organization, fundamentally changes how young people navigate their identity and advocacy. Looking Forward When asked what's at the top of her wish list for CLUB Z, Masha doesn't say funding (though like all nonprofits, they need resources). She says people. She needs educators who are articulate, educated, and willing to invest their souls into these teens. It's not a typical teaching job. It requires presence, commitment, and a genuine belief in the work. She also wants the broader Jewish community—the legacy organizations, the philanthropists, the adult leaders—to wield their power on behalf of the next generation. Instead of allowing others to define Jewish terms and Jewish identity, instead of remaining silent while narratives go unchallenged, Masha wants to see adults step up and protect the space for young Jews to claim their identity with pride. But perhaps the most poignant wish Masha articulates is simpler: she wants American Jews to understand that no matter how assimilated or hidden you are, eventually somebody will ask you questions about who you are. You might as well know the answers. You might as well be grounded in your identity, connected to your people, and equipped with the knowledge and confidence to stand tall. How to Connect Website: clubz.org Instagram: @zionismforteens Email:masha@clubz.org YouTube Channel: CLUB Z has extensive educational content available on their YouTube channel Partner Organizations: - CAMERA (Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting and Analysis): camera.org Small & Gutsy Mission Small & Gutsy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit podcast spotlighting nonprofits and social enterprises with budgets under $10 million. The show elevates the visibility of small but mighty changemakers doing bold, passionate, and impactful work. Small & Gutsy has been ranked #8 on FeedSpot's Top 30 Social Impact Podcasts and #9 by Million Podcasts for Youth Empowerment episodes. Do you know a nonprofit doing incredible work? If you know of a nonprofit or social enterprise making real impact, nominate them to be featured on Small & Gutsy. Contact Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff at laura@smallandgutsy.org. Check out other episodes of Small & Gutsy at SmallAndGutsy.org.

She grew up as the daughter of a Nazi… and had never even heard of Jews.In this powerful and emotional episode, Morah Tziri sits down with Hannah, an 89-year-old woman whose story is almost impossible to believe.Born in Germany during World War II to a Nazi officer, Hannah grew up in a home filled with fear, silence, and pain. She had no idea that Jews even existed… until she was 17 years old.What happened next changed the course of her life forever.Hannah shares: What her childhood was really like growing up in a Nazi home  The moment she discovered the truth about Jews  How she eventually built a Jewish life and family  And the message she wants every generation to hear This is a story about resilience, identity, and the power of choosing a different path, NO MATTER WHERE WE COME FROM!

How should we understand Paul—as a rabbi, a philosopher, or something else entirely? In this episode, Dr. Joseph Dodson explores Paul as a figure who operates within both Jewish and Greco-Roman intellectual worlds. Rather than forcing a choice between “rabbi” or “philosopher,” the discussion shows how Paul embodies elements of both. He is deeply trained in the Scriptures of Israel and interprets them with methods recognizable within Jewish tradition, yet he is also conversant with the philosophical categories and rhetorical practices of the wider Greco-Roman context. This dual identity helps explain both the content and the form of Paul's letters. His arguments are not abstract theological constructions detached from history, nor are they merely repetitions of inherited tradition. Instead, they represent a dynamic engagement with Scripture in conversation with the intellectual world of his day. The episode highlights how modern readers often flatten Paul into one category or another, missing the richness of his thought. By recovering Paul as both rabbi and philosopher, we gain a clearer picture of how he communicates the significance of the Messiah to diverse audiences. Ultimately, this approach invites us to read Paul with greater historical sensitivity and intellectual nuance. For Joseph Dodson's latest book, buy it here: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/9798400500527_paul-the-rabbi-philosopher-stoic-and-jewish-philosophy-in-the-apostles-thought We are listener supported. Give to the cause here: https://hebraicthought.org/give For more articles: https://thebiblicalmind.org/ Social Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HebraicThought Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hebraicthought Threads: https://www.threads.net/hebraicthought X: https://www.twitter.com/HebraicThought Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hebraicthought.org Chapters: 00:00 Understanding Paul: Context is Key 02:09 Paul as Rabbi Philosopher: Bridging Two Worlds 09:58 The Apocalyptic Paul: A New Perspective 14:16 Politics and Philosophy: Paul's Counter-Cultural Message 18:09 Sin and Systemic Issues: A Deeper Understanding 20:03 The Law's Weakness: Setting the Stage for Grace 25:54 The Role of Law and Spirit in Paul's Theology 27:39 Paul as Rabbi and Philosopher 28:48 Paul's Relationship with the Hebrew Text 29:43 The Wisdom of Solomon and Paul 33:06 Paul's Jewish Identity and the Law 35:01 Paul's Approach to Gentiles and the Law 36:53 Paul's Communication Style and Cultural Fluency 38:27 The Genius of Paul 41:07 The Connection between Nietzsche and Paul's Philosophy 43:00 The Unique Voice of Paul in the Church

Questions? Comments? Text Us!In this episode of God: An Autobiography, The Podcast, Jerry L. Martin speaks with philosopher and world religions scholar Jonathan Weidenbaum in the series “What's Your Spiritual Story.”Jonathan shares how his early fascination with Zen Buddhism, Hinduism, and Eastern philosophy led to a lifelong exploration of world religions. Through study, travel, and teaching, he immersed himself in diverse spiritual traditions across Asia while engaging deeply with thinkers like Martin Buber and Søren Kierkegaard.Yet his path was not one of leaving Judaism behind—but of returning. Jonathan reflects on rediscovering Jewish practice through attending shul, putting on tefillin, and reconnecting with the rhythms and disciplines of religious life. His story highlights the tension between exploration and rootedness, and the way a tradition can call someone back over time.The conversation explores spirituality, philosophy, prayer, and the challenge of understanding the divine—whether as a personal God or an ultimate reality. It also reflects on how religious identity can be reshaped in response to both personal searching and the pressures of the modern world.Jonathan, Jerry, and others continue this conversation at Ultimate Questions, a public Substack from Theology Without Walls exploring life's deepest questions across traditions. Join the discussion at substack.com/@ultimatequestions.Other Series:The podcast began with the Dramatic Adaptation of the book and now has several series:The Life Wisdom Project – Spiritual insights on living a wiser, more meaningful life.From God to Jerry to You – Divine messages and breakthroughs for seekers.Two Philosophers Wrestle With God – A dialogue on God, truth, and reason.Jerry & Abigail: An Intimate Dialogue – Love, faith, and divine presence in partnership.What's Your Spiritual Story – Real stories of people changed by encounters with God.What's On Our Mind – Reflections from Jerry and Scott on recent episodes.What's On Your Mind – Listener questions, divine answers, and open dialogue. Stay ConnectedShare your thoughts or questions at questions@godanautobiography.comGet the books: Radically Personal: God and Ourselves in the New Axial Age | God: An Autobiography, As Told to a PhilosopherShare Your Story | Site | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comWhat happens when your faith tradition and your political reality collide? In this episode, we sit down with Peter Beinartto unpack the moral and theological tensions shaping the war in Gaza and the broader debate around Zionism. Beinart walks through his personal evolution from liberal Zionist to a critic of the current Israeli framework, grounded in both lived experience and Jewish theological reflection.The conversation moves beyond surface-level talking points. Beinart explains how Zionism developed historically, how it became tied to Jewish safety, and why he now believes that framework creates moral contradictions—especially when it requires unequal treatment of Palestinians. He makes a case that systems built on political supremacy tend to generate instability and violence, drawing comparisons to apartheid South Africa and Jim Crow America.We also dig into something your audience will recognize: the role of religious narratives in shaping political behavior. Beinart draws a clear parallel between Jewish nationalism and Christian nationalism, arguing that when a state becomes central to religious identity, it can displace core theological commitments like human dignity. He points to how scripture—both Jewish and Christian—can be interpreted either to justify violence or to challenge it, depending on the framework applied.The episode closes with a practical takeaway: if people want a more grounded and humane understanding of the conflict, they need to listen directly to Palestinian voices. Without that, the conversation stays abstract—and disconnected from the human cost.Book: Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza: A Reckoning: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9780593803899Guest Bio:Peter Beinart is a professor of journalism and political science at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. He is a contributing opinion writer for The New York Times and editor-at-large of Jewish Currents. Beinart previously served as editor of The New Republic (1999–2006) and has written extensively on U.S. foreign policy, Zionism, and Jewish identity. His latest book, Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza: A Reckoning, examines the moral and theological challenges facing Jewish communities inSupport the show

Watch us on Youtube: https://youtu.be/vQ0o0F07o2k Subscribe to get bonus episodes, read more about the team, and catch us on every platform we're on! > https://bit.ly/unholy-podcast Naomi Alderman on Substack: look at me. I'm here. I'm the ultimate product of Hitler's defeat: https://naomialderman.substack.com/p/look-at-me-im-here-im-the-ultimate Day 13 of the war with Iran — and the conflict just got bigger. Overnight, 200 rockets were fired at Israel from Lebanon. Hezbollah, which many believed had been neutered, is back.  This week, Yonit and Jonathan take stock of a war that is growing, not winding down. They're joined by General David Petraeus — former CIA Director, commander of coalition forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, and one of the most clear-eyed voices on American military strategy. Petraeus breaks down what the US and Israel have actually achieved so far: missile launches are down over 90%, air defenses have been dismantled, and over 6,000 targets hit. But the new Khamenei? "We wanted a Delcy Rodriguez," he says. "We got a young Kim Jong-un." And he's blunt about what comes next: Iran's a million men under arms, and nobody has a clean exit. Then: a very different conversation. Jonathan talks to novelist and broadcaster Naomi Alderman about why she thinks Marty Supreme is the most intensely Jewish movie she's ever seen.  Plus: the Mensch and Chutzpah awards return. The Academy of Hebrew Language gets hacked by Iranians. Their response? Perfect. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Christine Darg of the Jerusalem Channel delves into the current geopolitical climate surrounding Israel, discussing the nation's resilience amidst war and its significance in biblical prophecy. This presentation explores the enduring strength of the Jewish people, the theological perspectives on the End Times, and the call to stand with the God of Israel. The video includes an analysis of the pre-tribulation rapture and its implications for believers today.

My bi-weekly shmooze to the yungeleit in the Orlando Kollel

(00:00:00) Why “Every Jew Alive Is a Miracle” | Introduction (00:02:00) What she loves about being Jewish (00:05:00) Growing up in a family of cantors and Jewish music (00:09:43) Becoming one of the first women cantors (00:12:59) Family legacy, Holocaust memory, and Jewish continuity (00:16:12) Finding a congregation that truly valued Jewish music (00:18:25) What a cantor really gives to a community (00:21:16) Tradition, new music, and serving a congregation well (00:25:03) Being a pioneer in the Conservative movement (00:27:20) Founding the Women Cantors' Network (00:35:14) Sacred Sounds Reborn: bringing nusach to new music (00:41:27) “Rewirement,” not retirement (00:44:44) Studying with Elie Wiesel (00:52:30) “Every Jew alive is a miracle” (00:59:20) Antisemitism, courage, and speaking up (01:01:22) Advice for Jewish students facing hate on campus (01:07:17) The future of American Jewish life (01:10:26) Is Jewish music stronger today than it was 40 years ago? (01:16:20) Final reflections In this episode of Proudly Jewish: Conversations on Israel and Jewish Identity, Rabbi Eyal Bitton is joined by Cantor Deborah Katchko-Gray — pioneering woman cantor, composer, educator, and founder of the Women Cantors' Network.They talk about her extraordinary path into the cantorate, her family's deep musical legacy, the influence of Elie Wiesel, the meaning of Jewish pride, and her beautiful new project, Sacred Sounds Reborn, which brings traditional nusach into fresh contemporary expression.This is a rich and moving conversation about Jewish identity, resilience, sacred music, memory, creativity, and hope.If you enjoyed the episode, please like, subscribe, and share. 

Video link to this episode: https://youtu.be/Nmw9jZM2aYUThe story of a Jew who grew up in the Soviet Union and learned little about his Judaism but some other hard lessons that would shape his life.Dan is a high-level interpreter and a thoughtful, intelligent man. He reached out to me after noticing how different his experience as a Soviet Jew was from mine. I grew up deeply engaged with my Jewishness, while he grew up almost entirely disconnected from it. Our conversation convinced me that Dan's story needed to be documented and shared, so I invited him onto my podcast. What I heard was remarkable: the horrors his family endured, the gripping archival material he inherited documenting his grandparents' ordeals, and his unique perspective from working inside contemporary human rights organizations and other governmental bodies. Dan believes the progressive mission, which he sees as well-intentioned, is nonetheless misguided and heading toward dangerous territory. He also reflects candidly on the antisemitism he's encountered in his work as a translator in a world increasingly hostile to Israel.If you would like to get in touch with Dan, you can write to him at: pr.pleischner@gmail.comWant more on Soviet Jewry?My interview with Anna Shternshishttps://youtu.be/hKN0_75EuqEMy interview with Igor Golyakhttps://youtu.be/E5_n3p3Oto0Leave a comment with your thoughts!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-frieda-vizel-podcast--5824414/support.

Aaron Bandler joins Something For Everybody this week. Aaron is a U.S. National Correspondent for Jewish News Syndicate (JNS), where he reports on stories of national relevance—related to Israel, antisemitism, and other issues of interest to the Jewish community. In this conversation, Aaron discusses the current state of anti-Israel sentiment, particularly on college campuses, and the influence of foreign funding, especially from Qatar. He delves into the misrepresentation of Zionism and the importance of U.S.-Israel relations. A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the bias present in Wikipedia, how it affects public perception, and the challenges of correcting misinformation. -

Episode 243 of The Truth Response.What is Messianic Judaism, and how does faith in Jesus connect with Jewish identity and tradition? In this episode, we sit down with Hadassa to hear her personal journey of discovering her Jewish heritage while remaining rooted in faith in Yeshua (Jesus) as Messiah.Together, we explore the role of the Torah in a believer's life, the difference between identity and salvation, and the important truth that faith in Christ alone saves. The conversation also addresses common misunderstandings about Messianic believers and wrestles with important questions about calling, heritage, and how the Old Testament still shapes our understanding of God today.Clarity in chaos. Bringing hope to a chaotic world. This episode offers thoughtful perspective, biblical clarity, and a reminder that what matters most is not religious performance, but a heart fully anchored in Christ.

In a widely discussed interview with Ambassador Mike Huckabee, Tucker Carlson raised fundamental questions about Jewish identity:Is Judaism a religion or an ethnicity?Can converts truly belong?Should DNA determine who has a claim to Israel?And does the Bible provide legitimate grounds for Jewish connection to the land?These are not merely political questions. They go to the heart of Jewish peoplehood.In this episode of Proudly Jewish, Rabbi Eyal Bitton examines three key moments from the interview and explains why Jewish identity cannot be reduced to race, religion, or modern Western categories — and why exile does not erase indigeneity.Questioning whether Jews are really a people is not criticism of Israel — it's something else entirely.***0:00 Introduction – The Interview Everyone Is Talking About 0:35 When the Conversation Shifts to Jewish Identity 1:16 What Exactly Is a Jew? 4:14 The Category Trap: Religion or Ethnicity? 4:46 Jewish Identity Explained – A Covenantal People 5:45 Yahadut vs. “Judaism” – Nationhood Before Modern Categories 7:09 Asking for Genetic Proof 9:56 DNA and the Question of Legitimacy 10:51 A Double Standard for Jews 11:17 The Audacity of Questioning Jewish Peoplehood 13:00 What Happens If We Fail the Test? 14:08 Why This Isn't Theoretical 22:11 Jewish Identity Needs No External Certification 23:24 A Joinable People – Ruth and King David 23:45 A Living Civilization – We Are a People***With clips from Tucker Carlson's interview with Amb. Mike Huckabee, entitled "Tucker Confronts Mike Huckabee on America's Toxic Relationship With Israel." Yes, he really called it that! https://youtu.be/XS7itdfgNnU?si=VvTN5fsTK5D4C-80 

In this episode of Opinionated, I speak with Bret Stephens, who reflects on how Jews have the “honor of being hated,” a realization that struck him on October 8th during a Times Square demonstration. We discuss how this perspective underscores the need for Jews to build resilient institutions and a strong sense of identity. I then talk with Dan Perry about Israel's difficult choices in the Palestinian territories, weighing the realities of Hamas, occupation, and the Palestinian Authority, and the necessity of pragmatic decisions to protect Israeli lives. Finally, I offer a personal commentary on the broader implications for Jewish communities worldwide and the urgency of Israel achieving decisive security. Support the showThe MirYam Institute. Israel's Future in Israel's Hands.Subscribe to our podcast: https://podfollow.com/1493910771Follow The MirYam Institute X: https://bit.ly/3jkeUyxFollow Benjamin Anthony X: https://bit.ly/3hZeOe9Like Benjamin Anthony Facebook: https://bit.ly/333Ct93Like The MirYam Institute Facebook: https://bit.ly/2SarHI3Follow Benjamin Anthony Instagram: https://bit.ly/30m6uPGFollow The MirYam Institute Instagram: https://bit.ly/3l5fvED

What does it mean to be Jewish? A new initiative in Wisconsin schools explores just that.

Note: This podcast is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_J8I4ZB72bo This is the kind of conversation about Israel and Palestine you won't hear anywhere else. Rabbi Sid Schwarz, founding rabbi of Congregation Adat Shalom and longtime progressive Zionist, and Sam Sherman, a playwright, actor, and anti-Zionist activist who grew up in Schwarz's congregation, model how to engage in respectful dialogue across profound ideological differences about Israel and Palestine. Schwarz discusses his decades-long commitment to what he calls "spiritual Zionism"—affirming Israel's right to exist while vocally opposing policies that violate Jewish values. Sherman explains his anti-Zionist position rooted in concern for Palestinian dignity and opposition to what he sees as institutionalized Jewish supremacy. Despite their disagreements on the meaning of Zionism, the legitimacy of violence, and the future of the region, both speakers demonstrate deep respect, genuine curiosity, and a commitment to staying in relationship. As Sam prepares to return to the West Bank to work with the Center for Jewish Nonviolence, this conversation offers a rare and moving example of how Jews across generational and ideological divides can engage with empathy, learn from each other, and remain part of the same Jewish community even when fundamental disagreements persist. Theme song, “Ilu Finu” by Rabbi Miriam Margles. Her album This is the Day is available for purchase at CDBaby: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/miriammarglesandthehadarensemb Visit our home on the web — Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations: http://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org Subscribe by Email at http://subscribebyemail.com/evolve.fireside.fm/rss Read these show notes on the web at https://evolve.fireside.fm/1 This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.Special Guests: Rabbi Sid Schwarz, Ph.D. and Sam Sherman.

Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TcIvsLyyFMM Follow us on social media and join Patreon to get more of Unholy: https://linktr.ee/unholypod As Israel receives the body of Rani Gvilli, the last remaining hostage held in Gaza since October 7, a painful chapter closes — and a new, uncertain one begins: for the first time since 2014, there are no Israeli hostages held in Gaza. Meanwhile, the world looks to Washington, waiting to see when, where and whether Donald Trump will order a strike against Iran. Yonit and Jonathan unpack what this new reality means — for Israel, for the region and for a war that refuses to end cleanly. They also examine Benjamin Netanyahu's latest accusation - that Israeli soldiers lost their lives because of what he called an “arms embargo” imposed by Joe Biden - and why he made it now. Plus: Listeners' Therapy returns. Unholy is joined once again by renowned psychotherapist Dr Orna Guralnik for a second session — this time with Lee and Marion, an American-Israeli couple wrestling with a question that has become agonisingly familiar to many Jewish families: where should we raise our children? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Streamed live on Jan 20, 2026 2026 TUC BUDGET (Paleo Hebrew Scriptures): https://www.givesendgo.com/The-Paleo-... Contact: noelhadley@yahoo.com Patreon:   / membership   PayPal: paypal.me/noeljoshuahadley Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/Noel-Hadley TUC Store: https://store.theunexpectedcosmology.... 2026 TUC Catalogue: https://unexpected-cosmology.nyc3.dig... Website: The Unexpected Cosmology Link: https://theunexpectedcosmology.com/ Archives page: https://theunexpectedcosmology.com/ar... TUC Discord Community:   / discord   TUC 2 YouTube:    / @theunexpectedcosmology2   Hebrew Match Dating: https://www.hebrewmatch.com/ Shelves of Shalom Publishing: https://shelvesofshalompublishing.com/

Send us a textIn this episode of the Gotta Be Saints Podcast, I'm joined by Dr. Angela Costley, a Hebrew Catholic theologian and Scripture professor based in the UK, to talk about what it means to be both Jewish and Catholic—not as a contradiction, but as a fulfillment.We discuss why the phrase “Jewish Catholic” can sound confusing at first, how the Church is grafted onto the “olive tree” of Israel (Romans 9–11), what Vatican II helped recover about the Church's relationship to the Jewish people, and why Hebrew Catholics need space to live their Jewish identity faithfully within the Church.This conversation draws from Dr. Costley's work as co-editor of From Sinai to Rome: Jewish Identity in the Catholic Church—a book that doesn't shy away from the painful history of Jewish-Catholic relations, while also offering real hope for the future.About Dr. Angela CostleyHebrew Catholic theologian based in the UKScripture professor at St Mary's College (seminary)Studied at Durham, Oxford, and earned her PhD at the Pontifical University in MaynoothBoard member of the Association of Hebrew CatholicsIn this episode, we talk about:What a “Jewish Catholic” is (and why it isn't a contradiction)Why Catholicism can be understood as the heir of “Temple Judaism” fulfilled in ChristThe Mass and the fulfillment of temple worship and offerings“Salvation comes from the Jews” (John 4:22) and what Catholics should do with thatRomans 9–11 and the image of the olive tree (Israel as root; Gentiles grafted in)Why the Church isn't a “new Israel,” but Israel in fulfillmentJewish identity as personal and collective (and why assimilation can be spiritually damaging)The Association of Hebrew Catholics and the need for community and witnessFacing hard history: antisemitism, misunderstandings, and doctrinal developmentWhy friendship and dialogue matter for healing and authentic witness todayHope in Romans 11 (“all Israel will be saved”) and what that means going forwardDr. Costley's “Mount Rushmore of saints,” her hoped-for patronage, and how to pray for herGet the Book

Yonit and Jonathan explore the intersection of Jewish identity and Christmas traditions, discussing how Jews navigate the holiday season, the cultural significance of Christmas in Israel, and the impact of Christmas films on perceptions of the holiday. They delve into the complexities of assimilation, the evolution of Jewish customs around Christmas, and the portrayal of Christmas in popular culture. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Proverbs 27:20-22 Getting bored, God's investing in you, how to influence people, Jewish identity and Chanukah Insights

Rabbi Yaakov Shapiro is the author of five books, most recently The Empty Wagon: Zionism's Journey from Identity Crisis to Identity Theft, a 1381-page treatise on the opposition of Zionism to Judaism. He serves on the Board of Directors of International Council for Middle East Studies, and has spoken around the world. Sponsors: Omaha Steaks: Use code WOODS for $35 off your order! CrowdHealth Monetary Metals Guest's YouTube Channel: Yaakov Shapiro   Show notes for Ep. 2709   The Tom Woods Show is produced by Podsworth Media. Check out the Podsworth App: Use code WOODS50 for 50% off your first order at Podsworth.com to clean up your voice recordings, sound like a pro, and also support the Tom Woods Show! My full Podsworth ad read BEFORE & AFTER processing: https://youtu.be/tIlZWkm8Syk

Register here for the Live Call me Back event at the Streicker Center on Thursday Oct 23: https://t.co/Y5tCz9uXwoSubscribe here to INSIDE Call me Back: https://inside.arkmedia.orgRabbi Angela Buchdahl's book: https://tinyurl.com/4m4mrfftGift a subscription of Inside Call me Back: http://inside.arkmedia.org/giftsSubscribe to Amit Segal's newsletter ‘It's Noon in Israel': https://arkmedia.org/amitsegal/Watch Call me Back on YouTube: youtube.com/@CallMeBackPodcastCheck out Ark Media's other podcasts: For Heaven's Sake: https://lnk.to/rfGlrA‘What's Your Number?': https://lnk.to/rfGlrAFor sponsorship inquiries, please contact: callmeback@arkmedia.orgTo contact us, sign up for updates, and access transcripts, visit: https://arkmedia.org/Ark Media on Instagram: https://instagram.com/arkmediaorgDan on X: https://x.com/dansenorDan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dansenorTo order Dan Senor & Saul Singer's book, The Genius of Israel: https://tinyurl.com/bdeyjsdnToday's Episode: For a bonus episode, Dan was joined by Rabbi Angela Buchdahl to discuss her new book Heart of a Stranger: An Unlikely Rabbi's Story of Faith, Identity, and Belonging. Rabbi Buchdahl is the senior rabbi at Central Synagogue in New York City. She was the first East-Asian to be ordained as a rabbi, and has received national recognition for her Jewish leadership, including being listed as one of Newsweek's “50 most influential rabbis.”She shares her journey from feeling like an outsider to Judaism to becoming a contemporary Jewish leader. They also discuss how Rabbi Buchdahl guided her congregation after Oct. 7 and how the past two years have changed the Jewish community around her. CREDITS:ILAN BENATAR - Producer & EditorADAAM JAMES LEVIN-AREDDY - Executive ProducerMARTIN HUERGO - Sound EditorMARIANGELES BURGOS - Additional EditingMAYA RACKOFF - Operations DirectorGABE SILVERSTEIN - ResearchYUVAL SEMO - Music Composer